Tsao Erh-chung
曹爾忠
Tsao at the Supau Cup Mini Marathon in Taipei, 2010
Member of the Legislative Yuan
In office
1 February 2005 – 31 January 2012
Succeeded byChen Hsueh-sheng
ConstituencyLienchiang County
In office
1 February 1993 – 31 January 2002
ConstituencyLienchiang County
Personal details
Born (1954-08-24) 24 August 1954
Lienchiang County, Republic of China (Taiwan)
NationalityTaiwanese
Political partyKuomintang

Tsao Erh-chung (Chinese: 曹爾忠; pinyin: Cáo Ěrzhōng; born 24 August 1954) is a Taiwanese politician. He was a member of the Legislative Yuan between 1993 and 2002, then served from 2005 to 2012.

Academic and early career

Tsao attended Matsu High School, and graduated from Central Police University.[1][2] He then worked for the Lienchiang County Police Department and was a lecturer at Taiwan Police College.[3][4]

Political career

Tsao helped reach what became the Kinmen Agreement, signed in 1990.[5] He first won election to the Legislative Yuan in 1992, and represented the Lienchiang County Constituency until 2002. In 1999, during his third term, Tsao helped negotiate the return of the Taiwanese vessel Shin Hwa from China.[6][7] He was a proponent of the three links,[8][9][10] and believed that their establishment would aid economic development in the outlying islands of Taiwan.[11] In 2001, Tsao visited Fujian as part of a pilgrimage for the goddess Mazu.[12][13] He returned to China later that month to sign an unofficial agreement with government officials of Mawei District.[14] The Mainland Affairs Council called the move a "person-to-person exchange" that "had no legal bearing," and warned neighboring Kinmen against a similar action.[15] Subsequently, the MAC announced its Eight Noes" policy regarding exchanges with China.[16] After Lee Yuan-tsu was prevented from attending APEC China 2001 as a representative of Taiwan's government, Tsao stated of the Kuomintang legislative caucus, "We agree with the government's decision not to participate in the APEC summit and condemn China's rough treatment of Taiwan's delegation that is already in Shanghai."[17] Tsao lost reelection in December 2001.[18] Before stepping down, he helped pass amendments to the Offshore Islands Development Act, permitting more Taiwanese to visit China via the outlying islands.[19][20]

Tsao contested the 2004 legislative elections as an independent, and won.[21][22] He was seated as a representative from Lienchiang County.[23] A month after taking office, Tsao joined Kuomintang officials on a trip to China.[24] He remained a staunch supporter of the three links,[25][26] additionally backing landing visa privileges for Chinese visitors to Taiwan.[27][28] Previously, in August 2005, he had spoken out against a planned reduction in military personnel stationed in the Matsu Islands.[29] He proposed a full ban on land mines that December.[30] Tsao defeated Lin Hui-kuan in the 2008 legislative elections.[31] During this session, the Citizen Congress Watch ranked Tsao as one of the worst legislators.[32][33][34] He began taking an interest in transportation, infrastructure, and civil order. Specifically, Tsao supported official designation of demonstration zones,[35][36] and opposed the lax employment protections at free ports,[37] as well as a proposal for Taoyuan International Airport to be exempt from most government oversight.[38] Tsao later stated that Taiwanese nationals should be given preferential consideration for management positions at the airport because it is a state-owned enterprise.[39] He was elected chair of the legislature's Transportation Committee alongside Lin Chien-jung in March 2009.[40] Two months later, while discussing an amendment to the Act for Promotion of Private Participation in Infrastructure Projects that would permit Chinese investment in Taiwanese infrastructure projects, Tsao opined that the proposed change was legal. Upon hearing the statement, Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers prevented Tsao from taking his seat. He then adjourned the meeting and scheduled a second discussion which the DPP boycotted.[41]

Tsao worked to market his constituency to tourists.[42] He urged the government to place Chinese tourists under a free independent tourist policy,[43][44] and defended them publicly on occasion.[45] Tsao also pushed for more funding through the Offshore Islands Development Fund.[46] In March 2011, Tsao proposed an amendment to the Act for the Development of Tourism that would allow chain convenience stores to sell tickets for maritime and air transportation.[47] The motion passed and was implemented that same month.[48]

Tsao yielded his legislative seat to Chen Hsueh-sheng in 2012.[49] After leaving the legislature, Tsao led the Chinese Taipei Road Running Association.[50][51] In October 2017, Tsao became the first directly elected leader of the Kuomintang's Lienchiang County chapter.[52] He left the Kuomintang to run in the 2020 legislative election as an independent and unendorsed candidate.[53]

References

  1. ↑ "Tsao Erh-chung (7)". Legislative Yuan. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  2. ↑ "Tsao Erh-chung (3)". Legislative Yuan. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  3. ↑ "Tsao Erh-chung (6)". Legislative Yuan. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  4. ↑ "Tsao Erh-chung (4)". Legislative Yuan. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  5. ↑ Chao, Vincent Y.; Ko, Shu-ling; Cole, J. Michael; Hsu, Hsiu-chuan (29 September 2010). "Chinese security chief's visit kept secret". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  6. ↑ Low, Stephanie (3 December 1999). "Shin Hwa returns, but not captain". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  7. ↑ Low, Stephanie (9 December 1999). "China still silent on Shin Hwa". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  8. ↑ Hsu, Brian (19 February 2000). "Siew boosts 'peace zone' plan". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  9. ↑ Hsu, Brian (24 March 2000). "Siew ponders scrapping 'small three links' bill". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  10. ↑ Low, Stephanie (25 March 2000). "Cabinet may reject 'links' bill". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  11. ↑ Dobson, Richard; Chen, Kevin (2 January 2001). "Matsu hopes to gain from China trade". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  12. ↑ Chen, Kevin; Dobson, Richard (1 January 2001). "Matsu followers to set sail to China". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  13. ↑ Huang, Joyce (3 January 2001). "Cool reception for Matsu pilgrims". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  14. ↑ Dobson, Richard (30 January 2001). "Council accepts lawmaker's action". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  15. ↑ Dobson, Richard (31 January 2001). "MAC warns Kinmen to stay in line". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  16. ↑ Lin, Mei-chun (23 February 2001). "China trips under close watch". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  17. ↑ Hsu, Crystal (20 October 2001). "Lawmakers unified in condemnation of Beijing". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  18. ↑ Low, Stephanie (19 January 2002). "Legislators say their farewells". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  19. ↑ Hsu, Crystal (18 January 2002). "Opposition forces through key bills". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  20. ↑ "Travel restrictions relaxed". Taipei Times. 19 January 2001. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  21. ↑ "PFP questions KMT's sincerity". Taipei Times. 10 November 2004. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  22. ↑ Chiu, Yu-tzu (12 December 2004). "Slight shifts in political geography". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  23. ↑ Wu, Debby (12 December 2004). "Independents anticipate playing a crucial role in legislature". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  24. ↑ Hong, Caroline (28 March 2005). "KMT delegation travels to China for historic visit". Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  25. ↑ Chuang, Jimmy (26 April 2006). "Premier expands small three links". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  26. ↑ Hirsch, Max (17 November 2005). "Wu says MAC has an open mind on China". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  27. ↑ Ko, Shu-ling (26 August 2006). "Landing visas pose no risk: MAC". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  28. ↑ Shih, Hsiu-chuan (8 July 2009). "Chinese might be able to arrive alone". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  29. ↑ "Matsu frets over reduction plan". Taipei Times. 27 August 2005. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  30. ↑ Chang, Rich (20 December 2005). "Lawmakers propose ban on anti-personnel mines". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  31. ↑ "Legislative elections and referendums" (PDF). Taipei Times. 13 January 2008. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  32. ↑ Loa, Iok-sin (10 July 2008). "Watchdog takes absentee lawmakers to task". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  33. ↑ Wang, Flora (2 September 2008). "KMT legislators query watchdog after ill reviews". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  34. ↑ Tseng, Wei-chen (12 February 2012). "Legislature went out with whimper". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  35. ↑ Chang, Rich; Wang, Flora; Ko, Shu-ling (11 November 2008). "DPP proposes parade law amendment". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  36. ↑ Loa, Iok-sin (25 December 2008). "Assembly & Parade Act passes review despite differences". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  37. ↑ Shan, Shelley; Loa, Iok-sin (14 May 2009). "Legislators slam free trade ports bill". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  38. ↑ Shan, Shelley; Chuang, Jimmy (19 April 2008). "Airport bill review postponed". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  39. ↑ Shan, Shelley (21 May 2009). "Hiring of foreign airport zone managers rejected". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  40. ↑ Wang, Flora (3 March 2009). "DPP wins only one seat in committee elections". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  41. ↑ Shan, Shelley (26 May 2009). "DPP lawmakers block infrastructure amendment review". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  42. ↑ Shan, Shelley (30 March 2010). "Matsu looks to attract tourists, targets veterans". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  43. ↑ "Lienchiang County eyes independent Chinese tourists". Taipei Times. 15 January 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  44. ↑ Shan, Shelley (19 October 2010). "Ministry mulls ways to regulate Chinese tourists". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  45. ↑ Shan, Shelley (19 March 2009). "Legislators criticize Amway tour group". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  46. ↑ Wang, Flora (20 December 2010). "Legislators seeking increased funding for outlying islands". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  47. ↑ Shan, Shelley (10 March 2011). "Amendment to tourism legislation wins initial backing". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  48. ↑ Shih, Hsiu-chuan (30 March 2011). "Convenience stores now allowed to sell local flight tickets". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  49. ↑ Shan, Shelley (15 January 2012). "2012 ELECTIONS: Pan-greens make gains in legislature". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  50. ↑ "Sunday's marathon in the capital to follow new route". Taipei Times. 18 February 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  51. ↑ Pan, Jason (10 September 2016). "Sports chief seeks to stop resignations". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  52. ↑ Chung, Hung-liang; Lin, Liang-sheng (16 October 2017). "KMT holds elections for branch heads". Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  53. ↑ "1號 曹爾忠". Liberty Times (in Chinese). 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
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